Volunteer roles in south east

Ready to Lead and Empower London's Youth? Become Our Volunteer, Urban Youth Manager!

Urban Youth, a brand-new, vibrant youth work charity, is on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking a dedicated Volunteer for the role of Urban Youth Manager to help us get set up, registered, and effectively run, empowering young people across the city. This flexible role will require approximately 6-8 hours per week with lots of flexibility, all our youth work will take place during the evening and on weekends.

Running the Show, Magnifying the Mission

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As our Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our operations. You'll bring your leadership skills, organisational prowess, and passion for youth development to help us:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, ensuring smooth operations.
• Coordinate our initial setup and registration, working closely with the Founder and the Trustees.
• Develop and implement engaging youth programmes and activities.
• Manage volunteer recruitment and support, building a strong team.
• Help secure funding and resources to expand our reach and impact.
• Be the main point of contact for enquiries and partnerships.

This is a unique opportunity to take the reins and play a pivotal role in launching and running Urban Youth, ensuring we make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Direct Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch, grow, and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be at the forefront of a dynamic new charity, building its operations and programmes from inception.
• Utilise Your Leadership Skills: Apply your valuable experience in project management, team coordination, and charity operations to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.
• Flexible Hours: This role offers the flexibility to fit around your existing commitments, with approximately 6-8 hours per week.

If you're a proactive leader, passionate about youth empowerment, and ready to use your skills to help a new charity flourish and inspire the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a vibrant organisation that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Your Voice, Our Future: Become a Young Trustee for Urban Youth!

Are you a passionate young Londoner (aged 16-26) with ideas, energy, and a desire to make a real impact at a strategic level? Urban Youth, a brand-new, vibrant youth work charity, is on a mission to empower young people across the city, and we believe our leadership should reflect the voices we serve.

We're seeking a few dynamic Young Trustees to join our Board and help shape the very future of Urban Youth. This is a unique opportunity to bring a crucial youth perspective to our governance, ensuring our decisions truly resonate with and benefit young Londoners. This flexible role will require approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attending board meetings and contributing to specific projects.

Bridge the Gap, Drive the Change

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them. For this to happen authentically, young voices must be at the table.

As our Young Trustee, you'll be a vital link between the young people we serve and the strategic decisions made at the highest level. You'll bring your unique insights and experiences to help us:

• Represent the youth voice on our Board, ensuring young people's perspectives are at the heart of our strategy and operations.

• Bridge connections between the young people participating in our programmes and the adult leaders within our organisation.

• Contribute to high-level discussions on governance, financial oversight, safeguarding, and future development of the charity.

• Help shape and review engaging youth programmes and activities, ensuring they are relevant and impactful.

• Provide valuable input into our outreach, communication, and fundraising strategies.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to gain significant leadership experience, influence meaningful change, and contribute to a charity dedicated to empowering your peers across London.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement as a Young Trustee?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and leave a profound mark:

• Direct Influence: Your insights will directly inform the strategic direction of a new and growing charity.

• Leadership Development: Gain invaluable experience in governance, strategic planning, decision-making, and board-level operations. This is a fantastic addition to any CV!

• Networking: Connect with experienced professionals and leaders who are passionate about youth development.

• Be a Pioneer: Help establish a model of youth-inclusive governance from the ground up.

• Make a Real Difference: Directly impact how Urban Youth empowers thousands of young people across London.

• Flexible Commitment: Designed to fit around your studies or other commitments, with manageable monthly hours.

If you're a proactive young leader with a passion for youth empowerment, a desire to represent your generation, and an eagerness to contribute to a new charity flourishing, we want to hear from you! Help us create a vibrant organisation that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Ready to Shape the Voice of a Movement? Become Our Volunteer Marketing & Communications Manager at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth, a bold new youth work charity, is on a mission to empower young Londoners through community, creativity, and connection. We’re seeking an imaginative, strategic thinker to shape how we tell our story, build our brand, and connect with our vibrant audience across London and beyond.

This flexible role requires around 3–5 hours a week, and offers the freedom to lead with your vision—on your time.

Crafting the Message. Building the Movement.

At Urban Youth, we don’t just support young people—we amplify their voices. We spark confidence, create belonging, and inspire growth through unforgettable programmes. But none of this happens in silence.

As our Marketing & Communications Manager, you’ll channel your skills to:

• Develop and lead a fresh communications strategy to grow our visibility and inspire action

• Create compelling content for social media, newsletters, and campaigns that speak directly to young people and their supporters

• Design and refine brand assets, helping shape the visual and verbal identity of a rising youth-led movement

• Manage digital channels, ensuring consistency and authenticity across every platform

• Collaborate with programme leads and volunteers to tell powerful stories of youth transformation and community impact

• Build relationships with press and partners, amplifying Urban Youth’s reach and voice

Why Join the Urban Youth Communications Core?

You're not just marketing—you’re mobilising change.

• Make Meaningful Impact: Every post, story, or campaign directly empowers youth and supports their growth.

• Launch a Lasting Brand: Help craft the public face of a charity destined to reshape how youth services look and feel in London.

• Grow With Us: You’ll be central to shaping our narrative from the ground up—your ideas, your creativity, your vision.

• Work Flexibly, But Impactfully: This volunteer role flexes with your schedule while making real waves in the city.

• Be a Creative Force in a Passionate Team: Join a movement of doers, dreamers, and believers building something powerful together.

If you're a creative strategist, digital storyteller, or communications maven with a heart for social impact—let’s make some noise together.

Apply now via the Charity Job website—and let’s build a brand that reflects the power, beauty, and potential of London’s youth.

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Ready to Shape the Future of London's Youth? Become a Founding Trustee at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth, a brand-new youth work charity, is on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and ready to empower young people across the city.

Hours: Approx. 3 to 8 hours per month including monthly Trustee meetings held one evening per month 7-9pm both online and face to face meetings.

Laying the Foundations, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As a Trustee, you won't just be advising; you'll be instrumental in establishing our charity from the ground up. You'll bring your strategic vision, governance expertise, and passion for youth empowerment to help us:

• Secure our charitable registration.
• Develop robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Establish our operational foundations.
• Guide our initial strategy and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the very core of Urban Youth, ensuring we're well-equipped to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Foundational Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building a dynamic new charity from its inception.
• Utilise Your Expertise: Apply your experience in governance, strategy, and charity development to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with strategic ideas and ready to use your expertise to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a charity that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured

Lead a dynamic, mission-driven charity at a pivotal time in its development. As Chair of Trustees, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of the Surrey Hills Society – championing one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and growing charity dedicated to conserving, enhancing and celebrating the Surrey Hills National Landscape. You’ll work closely with trustees, our small team and volunteers to provide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and grow the Society’s reach and impact. Ideal candidates will bring senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to chairing a diverse and committed Board.

Summary

Supporting young people in leading activities and mentoring support by providing a listening ear and practical support and guidance.

Detailed description

You’ll find plenty of ways to use your listening skills as well as being a first point of advice for practical concerns that young people face or for supporting them in fun and exciting activities and games. We have our Youth Sessions based in Watford, Hatfield and Cheshunt.

Mondays: 
Cheshunt (Location to be disclosed after interview)
4.30pm to 6pm
Young Asylum Seekers support

Tuesdays
YMCA Orbital Community HUB
Haines Way, Watford, WD25 7QU
10 - 16 ages (19 with SEND)
6:30pm till 8pm
Open during half term

Wednesdays: 
Jim Macdonald Centre
9 - 13 ages - 4:30pm till 6pm
13 - 16 ages - 6:30pm till 8pm
Open during half term

Thursdays:
The Hive, Jim Macdonald Centre
11 - 17 ages - 4pm till 6pm
Term time only

You will be:

Supporting youth work activities and workshops

Supervising young people in discussion sessions

Building positive relationships with young people

Working with other staff to plan and evaluate activities by gaining feedback

The application process is simple - please submit an initial enquiries form by clicking on the below link with your details and ensure you let us know that you saw our advert on the CharityJob website and we will get in touch to discuss next steps. Following a brief discussion we will ask you to fill in a few more details, carry out an informal interview and apply for a DBS check as well as requesting details of two referees.

We also provide full training and support throughout your journey and you will have access to events and celebrations throughout the year!

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of the One YMCA Family!

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Summary

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 12-18 years?
Do you enjoy making a real difference to the lives of young people?

Detailed description

Mentoring within One YMCA is delivered through the youth team and volunteers. Young people aged 13-19 years can access the service which provides support and encouragement for young people to work towards their goals.

Mentors and mentees are paired based on experience, expertise and support needed.

This project will last for up to a year with each young person, with an average of 3-4 hours per month being given to the young person and their support.

Training for this role is due to commence on 22nd January 2025 (Time and Location TBC)

Pay: This is a voluntary role; however, expenses will be covered.

Key Responsibilities:

·To attend full induction training and complete all relevant child protection checks

·To arrange to meet with your mentee for 1-3 hours a month over a period of 12 months, in a public place.

·To prepare for your mentoring sessions with the purpose of progressing with their mutually agreed goals.

·To offer tailored support to your Mentee in areas such as confidence and resilience building, accessing services, careers focus and development. You may be working on a number of areas as the needs of your Mentee present themselves.

·To safeguard and promote the wellbeing of your Mentee.

·To complete feedback, monitoring and evaluation forms.

·To liaise with the mentoring coordinator for support in delivery of sessions where needed.

·To help identify the support that your Mentee requires, reporting any concerns you have to the mentoring coordinator.

·Completing regular reviews with your Mentee and mentoring coordinator.

·Any other reasonable task that is associated with the role.

Personal Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds

Skills:

• Ability to work on own initiative and a willingness to prepare for each session
• Ability to use online video platforms such as Microsoft Teams
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• A willingness to meet the young person in a public space

Personal Qualities:

• An interest in working with young people
• Ability to engage with a young person
• The willingness to have an open mind and non-judgemental approach to supporting a young person in their mentoring journey
• Ability to cope with potentially difficult conversations or situations
• Commitment to the mentoring project and to the Mentee
• Motivated by promoting the wellbeing of young people
• Commitment to and ability to work in accordance with ethos of One YMCA, their polices and boundaries

Other:

• Willing to undertake and induction and training
• Willing to provide 2 references
• Willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS)

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) services based in Bedford

Some of the tasks and responsibilities include:

• Contacting ex-clients of the Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Sexual Violence Support) service over the telephone 
• Building a rapport with individuals and ensuring people feel comfortable speaking with you
• Conducting client feedback surveys, ensuring that you are recording their responses accurately 
• Taking note of anything of concern and ensuring that you liaise with the manager of the service to raise this

You will have:
 

• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for speaking to new people on the phone.
• Good administrative skills and IT literacy
• A friendly, empathetic approach.
• The ability to listen to answers and record them appropriately.
• Patience and understanding.
• To treat all information in a confidential manner.

A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Liberty Domestic Abuse Group (women only) runs Tuesdays 10am – 12 pm

Talk 4 M Domestic Abuse Support Group for Men runs on Wednesdays 5.45pm – 7.45pm 

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) support services based in Bedford.

Some of the tasks and responsibliites include: 

• Supporting the group facilitators to plan weekly sessions
• Setting up the room, including tables, chairs and resources for the participants
• Ensuring a register is taken of the attendees
• Supporting the facilitator to run particular activities as part of the session delivery
• Ensuring you have a non-judgmental, friendly and approachable demeanour
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Ensuring feedback is provided to and collected from participants at the end of the session/course 

You will be: 

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Have a non-judgmental approach 
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and approachable disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Experience supporting people with complex needs/situations including: grief, trauma, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team

A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

We are looking for volunteers to support us at our exciting Play & Learn Toddler Sessions at Lakeview Village Halls in Wixams (although we are also open to volunteers at any of our other sessions)

The sessions for Wixams take place on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, term time only, 9am to 11:30am. If you would like to volunteer and you are worried about childcare, please feel free to bring your other child/children to the session too! We are fully flexible with supporting parents in their volunteering journey. 

We want to ensure all families feel valued and welcome and some of the activities you will be doing include: 

• To support the engagement of parents in their child/ren’s development and learning.

• Setting up and tidying away activities

• Engage and play with the children 

• Engage with the parents/carers through conversation

• Lead on specific activities if desired

• Support the planning and evaluation of sessions with Children Centre staff

• To support Children Centre staff in registering families by handing our and supporting families completing our registration form

• To promote ECP/One YMCA values and ethos

• Knowledge and experience of working with young children and/or families would be preferred as this is a very hands on role!

Training and support will be provided throughout your journey, we look forward to welcoming you to the ECP family!

Please note, you will be required to undergo a DBS check and 2 references will be taken up.